Monday, April 27, 2009

What a crazy/busy week it has been, but a GOOD one! I have little time to email today due to another busy day ahead. We had some great meetings and also Zone Conference this past week. Our focus for the week was on "Member Missionary"Work. We actually met our goal!Due tohumility... I realized we had to be more humble, truly praying for guidance. We met with some less actives and members, emphasizing the importance of getting the less active members more involved and help them regain their desire to come to church. Our goal is to get the members here in Yekaterinburg more involved and participate in "Member Missionary" work. It will help those that need that extra reassurance and acceptance from the members. "Member Missionary"work truly is thekey to success!

Here are some random crazy/funny scenes that we witnessed in our travels this past week:Scene 1– Some crazy guy went up to a light post and ripped off a flyer that was posted and started eating it, like it was going to be his last meal! So CRAZY!!

Scene 2 – One day while out contacting we stumbled across a bunch of kids (ages probably 10-12 years of age) destroying some random car on the street. They were climbing all over it, pounding on it, breaking the windows!!! Some poor old babushka (older women) tried to yell at them to get them to stop, but they ignored her and continued with their destruction!!! They were maniacs!!

Scene 3– While we were enjoying one of our many rides on the Ghetto buses here in Yekaterinburg we heard some punk kids talking about me, trying to be funny, and thinking that I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, so I started conversing with them in Russian. They were shocked out of their minds that I could speak their language!! They didn’t know what to say after that. Pretty funny!!

**Just thought I would share some of the interesting events that take place around us.** You got to love it!

We had a great Sunday. Our missionary coordinator gave a great talk on priorities. She is way cool!!I love my area, the members, and the people we work with. Our one area now covers three. Himash and Botanica being the main areas that we currently cover. We live in Botanica and it takes about 40 minutes to get to Himash.

I want to share a few awesome quotes with you all:"Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny"David O McKay I really love that one!

“Strength and struggle go together. The supreme reward of struggle is strength. Life is a battle and the greatest joy is to overcome. The pursuit of easy things makes men weak.Do not equip yourselves with superior power and hope to escape responsibility and work, it cannot be done: Its following the line of least resistance that makes rivers and men crooked.”Ralph Parlette

I love both of those quotes so much, but I don’t have a lot of time to explain. In a nut shell…before my mish I always seem to look for the easy way out, but on the mish I realize that’s what makes life dull. The struggle in life is what brings the best reward. Struggles and challenges also result in making one the Best person that they are intended to be.

So, that’s it for this week. I love you all and grateful for all your love and support!Have a good week!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Yesterday we enjoyed a Zone Conference with the missionaries of the Yekaterinburg Zone. They received trainings from the assistants, from their zone leaders, from President and Sister Allen, and also practiced teaching doctrines in Russian. They had sandwiches for lunch, and then interviews with the President. Thank you for the support that you give your missionary. We love and appreciate each one. The weather is getting a little warmer here, though there is snow in the forecast.

This week was packed full of exceptional and uplifting events. I especially enjoyed watching General Conference with the members here in Botanika, Elder and Sister McEvoy, Zhenya and her friend (former missionary companion.). Elder Holland never fails to deliver, nor to disappoint. I have to admit, Holland’s talk was my favorite and will be worth reviewing over and over again. In between sessions we had a snack. Russians always have sandwiches with one slice of bread, a slice of meat (usually sausage) and a pickle or cucumber. It’s my favorite, and so good! A few of us watched conference in English instead of Russian so we could soak it all in and not have to concentrate translating in our heads…just a little more enjoyable to hear it in ones own language….ha-ha!

(Note from mom - This beautiful picture of their lunch spread is from McEvoy's blog)

Elder V and I went out on splits this week. We taught Antonina and her daughter, Anya. They are amazing people. And… after our lesson they gave us two referrals! We were stoked!! Referrals are rare here in Russia, unlike Idaho…right BJ? Ha-ha. We will be meeting with the two referrals next week.

Since the weather has warmed up the majority of people are a little more willing to talk with us when we are out contacting, and not in a mad-dash to get inside to unthaw from the cold. We managed to get five new numbers…only time will tell if they lead to anything…always keeping high hopes though.

I am now at the point that the language is definitely not a barrier or a struggle and is actually a lot of fun for me. I can understand probably 90% of what is being said and I can speak it pretty well, at least I believe I do. I love learning the Russian language and still feel it is the coolest sounding language…Ever!

I’m lovin Botanika and the members here. It is an awesome area to serve. The people here in Russia are so unique in the sense that if they like you…THEY LOVE YOU!!! They are truly a great and caring people. However, if by chance they don’t like you then they don’t give a dang what you think! It definitely has its up’s and down’s. Ha-ha.

I was asked the question, “what is something that I see here in Russia that we normally don’t see in the states?” Some of what I see would be such things as huge apartment buildings that are old and somewhat scary looking, small elderly ladies (Buska's) sweeping streets for no apparent reason, and cars driving on sidewalks. Ha-Ha! Oh, and missionaries with dirt on their pants! I heard that doesn’t occur in Idaho…right bro? Hmmm And…people randomly saying hi to us and we responding with some funny comeback in English that they don’t understand, unless of course, they are being nice, then we invite them to English. Ha-Ha!

I was also asked, "what is something that I have learned about myself since I’ve been out in the field.” I would have to say, that I have learned that I am capable to do more than I thought. Also, it's amazing how I have learned this difficult language.And...have come to realize that I have a lot more to be appreciative for than I ever thought I did. It’s hard to explain the things a missionary learns while on a mission.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Well, It's out with the old and in with the new this week. I "killed" yet another Elder, meaning...I sent another Elder packing for home. Elder McKenna left yesterday. He seemed to be a bit nervous, but I’m sure that is to be expected. I was able to accompany him to the Mission Home and attend the meeting for the departing missionaries. It was great! However, it was hard to see McKenna leave. He was a great companion and a good missionary.I will get my new companion, Elder Odair tomorrow. He is from Northern Arizona and has been in the field for a few months longer than I have, which makes me yet again, the younger Elder. So, not to feel too discouraged... always being the youngest and not feeling I’m making much progress, I try to stay focus on the work... however, the work seems slow going as well. A few new missionaries should be arriving over the next couple months, which will be great for the mission.I hit my year mark this past Thursday; the day just kind of came and went. So, I am on my way down the slope and I am sure this next year will go fast. I feel I have so much more I would like to accomplish.I love being a missionary and grateful for all the many blessings and, even the challenges that come along with it. I look forward to this next year and the great experiences that awaits. I will write more next week. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I love you all and grateful for all you do.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Your family is extremely grateful for the sacrifice, hard work and dedication you have given your mission thus far. You've always had a strong, firm and grounded testimony of the Gospel. It's been amazing to hear stories of how you've shared your testimony as a missionary, teaching the Russian people. We have seen your growth and love you have for the Gospel and the Russian people as you serve them. We look forward for this next year to learn more of what will come your way. You have made your mission come alive through your weekly emails to your family and friends. We appreciate you sharing with us some of the challenges and experiences you've had thus far. We are excited for you as you begin your down hill slope. This next year will go amazingly fast, remember to continue to cherish every second you have left. We send you our love and support and, wish you great success for this next year! We love you Chad and, grateful for your service. Thank you for your valient example.

Love,

Your Family

P.S. Thank you for your amazing outlook and attitude. ..And for keeping your excitement of being a missionary ALIVE!

I thought I would share this picture with you. Elder and Sister Page recently finished their mission and went home to Denver. On their last day in Yekat, they wanted to buy lunch for some of the missionaries that had served in Ufa. They love the missionaries and the missionaries love them. We had a fun lunch at Subway, where they ate, hugged, and said "goodbye". Thanks for sharing your missionary with us.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Tuesday– Wednesday - Meetings, contacting, district meeting, coordinating meeting with Zhenya. Zhenya is really cool and a return missionary. Zhenya understands how difficult this mission can be. Splits began Wednesday evening, and I went with Elder Shreeve. It was cool reminiscing about the good ole days of Mountain View and spending time with someone from the same stomping grounds. We also talked about becoming pediatricians and opening a practice together.

Thursday – Friday – We had a great meeting with Nataliva, a great new and promising investigator. We ended splits Friday morning and finished out the day with only one meeting and more contacting. It has been pretty warm and mild here lately, but then Mother Nature decided to hit us with some freezing temperatures and wind on Friday.

Saturday – Sunday - We had a great meeting with the Droshkovi family. They are the coolest family and both are RM’s, and have two little kids that are way tight.

Today –UGH!!! ONLY TWO EMAILS!!! One from my dad and one from Sister K!!!! What happened to the rest of my family and my great pals Stephan and Chanel?

Chad opening Mission Call

WHO ARE YOU BOY?

Who are you boy? You journeyed to this land of ours.This land where I have endured my daysAnd felt oppression kill my soulAnd forced me into some tight moldAnd teach me that I should not hopeUnless I care to smell the smokeOf dreams that the Red Army tamed.Who are you boy? From this land of plenty.Teaching of God if there is any.You have all, we have none.Do you know what that feels like son?And yet, you ask me to believeIn something that I cannot see,Some force you say will bring me joy.Do you know what that feels like boy?Where you are from, faith is free.But it has a price for me.When I have pain, I have my bottle.Hurt dies quick when you drown it in vodka.That's enough to warm my soul.I work, I sleep, the days go by -I am waiting for the day I die.You don't understand this place.You say believe, obey, have faith.Live life well, serve and give.Here in Russia we just live.Who are you boy? Why did you comeTo save a soul who once was numb?To teach a wretched, hateful manWho cursed your help, refused your hand.I thought that we were worlds apart.So how is it you knew my heart?A fraction my age, you calmed my rage.Mercy paid my generous wage.I should have been left behindIt is hard to love my kind.Hope in your heart, power in your handsWhy did you come to this distant landI know now, it was for meThe Red Curtain fell, but I was not freeUntil a boy from nations away,Brought me my Lord. I bless the dayHe led me to weep at my Master's feet,The American boy I met on the street.New and naive, still in his teensWith a message to bring the world to its knees.I thought that the truth would come from another -I did not know this boy was my brother.